What Would I Do...

A new thread is weaving its way into the web this week, Sunday Scribblings , and I feel the urge to follow its weavers, Laini  and Megg, along its colorful, zigzag path. So today I ponder their prompt, what would I do if I knew I would not fail?

I would pour my late night dreaming and daydream imaginings into fantastical children's books. But wait! Not just books of paper, ink and glue! No, these books would have puppet theaters that pop up with dancing marionettes when you turn the page! The next flip of the page, would reveal  a  pirate ship that sailed across  from  one side of the paper sea to the other, while a merry pipehorn  plays a  sailor's jig...turn the page and find wind-up, ballerina fairies pirouetting amongst the singing pansies, daffodils, and tulips. A gypsy wagon would open its door to reveal a fortune-teller and crystal ball that dispenses little fortunes, which foretell only the best of tidings (while listening to the tunes of the world's tiniest tambourines and violins). Bejeweled elephants, leaping lions, floating trapeze artists, acrobats and clowns would parade around a carousel, to the rin tin tin tootling of the calliope. Next, holograms of a rocket ship and the moon in the starry  nightsky would project themselves out into the room, so that any child feeling the need to escape the bounds of their earthly cares could jump in for a night's ride. A teeny, tiny easy-bake oven at the end of the book would pop out a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie (for those sent to bed with no supper), while a sweet soprano voice softly sings them to sleep....

With the proceeds from the sales of these books of dreams, I would establish art and literacy centers in every burg that needs one. Where anyone, from pre-schooler to paraplegic veteran could go to have the chance to paint and sculpt and read and dream themselves into  their best lives. Then I would ascend, in the hot air balloon elevator, to my tree-top studio and create some more...That's what I would do, if I knew I couldn't fail. Plus a lot more - I could go on dreaming this one all night! But the real world is nagging me with laundry to wash and grocery lists that won't shop for themselves. How I long for Mary Poppins'-like powers! Ah, but would I use my powers only for good?  Or would I be tempted, next time I'm cut off in traffic to..hmmm...(exits stage humming "Spoonful of Sugar, followed by maniacal laughter)

p.s. In case you missed my 2 previous posts, the non-profit program where I work with developmentally disabled artists is in dire straits right now. Until things improve, all of my artwork in my art album is on sale and the proceeds will go to this program. Pricing is very reasonable (between $100 & $200 per painting & includes framing - & matt if it's watercolor) and your donation is tax deductible. Please e-mail me (there's an e-mail button on my homepage) if you're interested - Thanks!

Comments

[Laini]

Ooh, Terri, I want that book!! What a magical imagination you have. And even if a book like that, a faerie-dust jewel box kind of book with moving parts and music and cookies, maybe isn't totally possible, think of the fabulous books you COULD create. I hope you will! (thanks for participating!!)

[Cate]

I'm also in line for that book--I've never had anything "baked" in an Easy Bake oven!

I keep thinking that your book would incite a riot of empowered pre-schoolers. Your words make me think--Why has something incredible like that not been thought up before? WHY NOT?

No laundry allowed in the tree-top studio, either--the Keebler elves have branch-living cousins who are very territorial about laundry duty :).

Oh, and I loved your "Spoonful of Sugar" line!

[megg]

I would buy that book NOW. Write it! Create it! What a post! I'm so glad you found Sunday Scribblings so that I could find you! I'm going to come back tomorrow and read MORE!!!

[violetismycolor]

Me, too. Me, too.

[HoBess]

Never before have I seen a dream so effectively captured on paper. Glad to find you thanks to Sunday Scribblings!

[Caroline]

Your dreams have a wonderful feel of dimensions to them. Your descriptions are full and vivid. I too would love that book!